Canada25 Plus 10

This post is a little different, a bit more of a personal story. This month marks the 10th anniversary of my participation in Canada25. The website, for the now closed organization (it wound up operations in 2007), describes it as:

Canada25 is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that brings the voices and ideas of Canadians, aged 20-35, to the nation’s public policy discourse and takes action on issues of local and national significance.

Active citizenship and bold, globally oriented thinking make Canada a dynamic, inclusive, and prosperous country that people from around the world are proud to call home. Canada25 will:

Develop and articulate policy proposals on issues of local and national significance to Canadians.

Implement a select number of local and national initiatives developed through Canada25’s public policy deliberations.

Act as a resource for government, business, and community leaders wishing to engage the perspectives and talents of adult Canadians, aged 20-35, with a keen interest in public affairs.

Build an international network of people who share an interest in public affairs and civic engagement in Canada.

I remember little about the document, but have fond memories of the event and project which has helped shaped the last decade of my professional life. I remember becoming roommates with Marc Kielburger, who has since become known around the world for his involvement with Free the Children. I remember an amazingly passionate group of your people who wanted to make our country better. I remember Maclean’s Magazine, who were onsite to cover the event, being seemingly disappointed that we worked together so well and didn’t fight much. I remember thinking I was part of something special. I remember being so impressed by those who pulled the event and project together — particularly, Alison Loat, who I follow today as she continues to push for greater engagement in our political system.

Ten years later, it is neat to be part of an alumni for Canada25 that includes Kielburger, Loat, open-government guru, David Eaves, Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi (who authored a subsequent Canada25 report), and dozens of others in a range of fields who are changing our country. One sometimes doesn’t realize it when they are in the midst of something special.

My thanks to all of those involved with Canada25 — 10 years later, you are still influencing me.

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9 Responses

What a great learning experience. It is important for us to support these kinds of experiences for youth. The other day, I was working with some students on writing memoirs. One of them reminded the other about when they made a commercial in elementary school. They had a formative experience creating an authentic product. I am trying to weave more and more of this into my practice and work with students. Thanks for sharing this.

Absolutely Kelley. It is true that my most influential and memorable learning experiences were not in a traditional classroom setting. We need to find ways for classes to have field experiences (both local and beyond) and support teachers to create “sticky” learning experiences.

“There are three types of people in this world: those who make things happen,
those who watch things happen
and those who wonder what happened.
We all have a choice.”
Each time I read one of your blogs, I am happy to have made your aquaintance. Thanks for making things happen Chris and for being an inspiration to many! I love Canada!
karen

Great post Chris. Those are some wonderful people to be surrounded by, and associated with. After reading this I was linked into a video from a friend’s school in Calgary where Naheed Nenshi was speaking to the graduating class and thought with your connection, you might be interested in watching. The students seem to inspire him as much as he is inspiring the students.